Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Orlando has announced that Volcano Bay will reopen from its seasonal closure on February 27, 2021. The water park closed in November due to expected lower demand in the cooler winter months, especially as the Resort navigated its way through the pandemic. During the closure, Universal performed annual maintenance around the park. Universal will still restrict capacity when the park reopens and is advising guests to check hours of operation or to call the capacity hotline at 1-407-817-8317.

The Purple Dinosaur has gone extinct as Universal Orlando has officially closed A Day in the Park with Barney. The show originally closed “temporarily” last August as Universal made operational adjustments during the pandemic – but that has now changed to a permanent closure. Despite the show’s temporary closure last year, the characters from the show would still meet guests out in KidZone – but they haven’t been since the new year began, leading to speculation of the show’s permanent closure. https://twitter.com/UniversalORL/status/1357038058630246401?s=20 A Day in the Park with Barney originally opened in KidZone back in 1995 and was one…

The Blue Man Group has announced that after 14 years, they are ending their run at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk. https://twitter.com/bluemangroup/status/1356323767954259968?s=20 The Blue Man Group debuted at Universal Orlando on June 2007 – replacing the Nickelodeon Studios. The show blended comedy, music, and colors for an energetic family experience. The show has remained closed due to the pandemic since March 2020, never having a proper send-off. No decision has been announced as to what will replace the Blue Man Group Theatre. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts.

With California officials relaxing some stay-at-home guidelines, Universal Studios Hollywood is now allowed to reopen outdoor dining at their CityWalk dining venues. Universal Studios Hollywood has expanded outdoor seating at several restaurants, along with new outdoor dining areas in accordance with current safety guidelines. Select venues are open for limited operations from 12-8 pm daily, and individual venue hours may vary. Self-parking is complimentary during this re-opening phase. During this time, Universal is implementing enhanced safety policies and procedures, including sanitization, temperature screening, and physical distance measures. Indoor accommodations will be temporarily halted, based on the latest Government guidance. While…

Business is picking up around the Jurassic  World VelociCoaster, as the ride’s marquee signage was recently installed. Featuring the iconic Jurassic font, the sign is pretty straight forward – with 2 velociraptors perched over it on the entrance’s roof. Recently, the coaster has been testing frequently, with even some people being able to ride while Universal filmed promotional material. The coaster will catapult guests up to 70 mph and more than 150 feet in the air. The vehicle was designed for speed and engineered “for the hunt”, the coaster’s revolutionary ride vehicle will send riders twisting and soaring across 4,700…

Universal Orlando Resort is introducing a new Military Freedom Pass for military members and their families. The special offer allows active duty, retired military members, and their families to enjoy the theme parks, including Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay (when it reopens), plus discounts and options to upgrade into exclusive military vacation packages. The 2-Park 2021 Military Freedom Pass will run $199.99 per adult, and the 3-Park pass for $234.99 per adult. Both 2021 Military Freedom Pass options are available for purchase now through December 27, 2021, and can be used daily now through…

Universal Studios Japan has delayed the opening of Super Nintendo World that was set for February 4th, 2021, as a new state of emergency was issued to the Osaka Prefecture due to the ongoing pandemic. The opening date will be decided and announced after the state of emergency is lifted. This is the 2nd time Super Nintendo World has been delayed due to the pandemic, as the land was originally supposed to open in Summer 2020. In addition to Super Nintendo World’s delay, the park will significantly limit the number of visitors during the state of emergency and will cooperate…

Universal Orlando has announced Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval, an adjusted Mardi Gras event that will expand on the authentic cuisine inspired by the most iconic Carnaval festivities across the globe. The event will take place daily at Universal Studios Florida from Saturday, February 6, and continue through Sunday, March 28. More than 70 dishes and beverages from 13 locations around the globe will be featured this year. Mardi Gras will be celebrated throughout Universal Studios Florida, as the park will be vibrantly decorated and feature costumed dancers and stilt performers just like years prior (just at a…

Universal Orlando is offering several special offers for vacations and tickets as 2021 gets underway. With so much to see and do in 2021, guests can look forward to the upcoming summer debut of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, plus the recently-opened and highly-rated The Bourne Stuntacular stunt show and the all-new Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites hotel. Here are the epic offers guests can book beginning today: GET 3 MONTHS FREE ON ANY 2-PARK ANNUAL OR SEASONAL PASS Any guest who purchases a 2-Park Annual or Seasonal Pass will receive three extra months free to enjoy…

Today, Nintendo held a Direct presentation centered around Universal Studios Japan’s upcoming Super Nintendo World, giving us an up-close look at some of the elements that will be featured in the highly-anticipated new land. The 15-minute presentation was hosted by Shigeru Miyamoto, famed game designer and game director at Nintendo, and creator of Mario. Miyamoto showcased most of the land, while still keeping some of the more anticipated attractions and features under wraps. First up, Miyamoto showed how we’ll transition into the Mushroom Kingdom by way of the iconic Warp Pipe. He explained that they tossed around many ideas, but…